Russia is facing its worst fuel shortage in years, primarily due to Ukrainian drone strikes targeting oil refineries. These attacks have disabled approximately 17% of Russia’s oil refining capacity since August, leading to a significant daily loss of gasoline and diesel production. The crisis is expected to persist at least through the winter, exacerbated by scheduled maintenance and high interest rates hindering fuel supply for smaller gas stations. To address the issue, authorities have implemented short-term measures like export bans, as well as systemic plans like refining oil in Belarus, though long-term solutions may require ending the war or reforming price regulations.
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In a recent statement, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart reported a violation of Estonian airspace by Russian jets on the morning of September 19th. Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland without permission, remaining for 12 minutes. NATO responded immediately to the incursion, intercepting the aircraft. The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires to protest the violation, and Kaja Kallas called the incident an “extremely dangerous provocation”.
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Outgoing MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore stated unequivocally that there is no evidence suggesting Vladimir Putin is interested in negotiating peace in Ukraine. Moore believes Putin is attempting to impose his will but will fail, having underestimated Ukrainian resilience. During his final speech as MI6 head, Moore also announced a new dark web portal called “Silent Courier” to recruit agents with sensitive information, mirroring a similar approach by the CIA. Additionally, the U.K. and U.S. are strengthening their security relationship, including a new partnership with Google Cloud for secure communication.
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Russian military jets violated Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island for 12 minutes without permission, prompting an immediate response from NATO. This incident, involving three MiG-31 fighter jets, is considered “unprecedentedly brazen” by Estonian officials, marking the fourth airspace violation by Russia this year. The event has sparked condemnation and solidarity from various international figures, including the UK, EU Commission President, and Europe’s foreign policy chief, with calls for increased pressure and sanctions against Russia. The incursion follows similar incidents in Romania and Poland, underscoring a pattern of aggressive behavior from Russia and testing the resolve of Western nations.
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Lithuania has fully disconnected from the Russian grid by dismantling all power lines connecting it to the Kaliningrad region, a move reported on September 18. This completed dismantling process, which began in February, reinforces Lithuania’s energy independence and integration into Europe’s power system. Six overhead transmission lines were removed, and similar operations are underway on the border with Belarus, with plans to completely dismantle all connections by mid-2027. Concurrently, Lithuania has fortified its borders with Russia and Belarus by installing concrete anti-tank obstacles.
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On Thursday, September 18th, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SSO) launched a strike on the logistics hub of Russia’s 810th Separate Marine Brigade in the Kursk region, targeting ammunition depots and concealed weapons. The 810th Brigade, known for its involvement in war crimes, has been actively engaged in offensive operations. This marks a continued effort to disrupt Russian forces, following a previous strike on a command post in early January and a larger Ukrainian incursion in August 2024. Ukrainian forces, led by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, maintain defensive positions in the Kursk and Belgorod regions to contain a significant enemy force.
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On Friday, Estonia reported a violation of its airspace by three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets, remaining for 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland without permission. NATO swiftly responded, intercepting the aircraft, and the EU condemned the incident as an “extremely dangerous provocation” and a sign of escalating tensions, with the EU proposing new sanctions against Russia. The incident follows previous airspace violations by Russian aircraft in Poland and Romania, prompting calls for increased political and economic pressure on Moscow and pledges to bolster defenses along NATO’s eastern flank.
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Estonia summoned a Russian diplomat to protest a brazen airspace incursion on Friday, involving three fighter aircraft that remained for 12 minutes. This incident marks the fourth violation of Estonian airspace this year and is considered an extremely dangerous provocation. The Russian aircraft, which lacked flight plans and had their transponders turned off, were intercepted by Italian F-35 fighter jets. The situation has heightened tensions in the region, especially as other nations have reported similar incursions.
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On Friday, the Estonian Foreign Ministry announced that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets breached Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland for 12 minutes without authorization. This marks the fourth airspace violation by Russia this year, with the involvement of three fighter jets being particularly concerning. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemned the brazen act and called for increased political and economic pressure on Russia in response to its growing aggression. The incident follows similar airspace violations by Russian drones in Poland and Romania earlier this month, prompting NATO allies to strengthen defenses.
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Amidst ongoing struggles to advance in Ukraine, Russian forces are utilizing unconventional tactics to evade drone strikes and transport troops and supplies. Recent reports indicate the use of empty gas pipelines as routes for movement, specifically near Kupyansk, a crucial rail hub southeast of Kharkiv. Soldiers are reportedly using a gas pipeline under the Oskil River as part of a military operation aimed at recapturing the city. This approach highlights the innovative, albeit desperate, measures being taken in the conflict.
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John Q. Hosedrinker